2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison, the continuation of tradition. In the world of off-road pickup trucks, Chevrolet has always been a force to reckon with. Now, the American automaker is taking its off-road prowess to new heights with the introduction of the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.
As the newest members of Chevrolet’s ZR2 family, these heavy-duty trucks are designed to deliver unparalleled off-road performance without compromising on towing and payload capacities.
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Chevrolet’s Flagship Off-Road Pickup Trucks
With the launch of the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison, Chevrolet now offers a formidable lineup of off-road performance pickup trucks, including the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. The first-ever Silverado HD ZR2 is set to become the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader, boasting race-proven technologies and enhanced capabilities to tackle even the toughest terrains.
Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing, says, “The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand. They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”
Exclusive Configurations and Engine Options
The Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison will be offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration, with either the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or the available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine.
Both trucks are built with off-road racing in mind, featuring a defined set of upgrades that draw from Chevrolet’s proven off-road expertise. Whether you’re crawling trails, tackling tough terrain, or towing adventure toys on the weekend, these heavy-duty trucks have you covered.
Impressive Capabilities and Features
The Silverado HD ZR2 boasts a max payload of 3,397 pounds (gas engine) and a max trailering rating of 18,500 pounds when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel. This ensures that owners won’t have to leave any part of their adventure behind when hitting the trail.
According to Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager for the Silverado HD ZR2, “The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend. It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”
Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison feature a distinctive ZR2 front grille, unique wheel opening moldings with integrated mudguards, ZR2 badging on the grille bar, and a higher stance compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models. The suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) front and rear, further enhancing their off-road capabilities.
Key off-road features and content include:
- Specific front upper and lower control arms and specific steering knuckles
- Multimatic DSSV Dampers
- Larger steel transfer case skid plate and front aluminum skid plate
- Rear e-locker
- 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires mounted on 18 x 9-inch aluminum wheels.
The HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road Mode, which incorporates learnings from the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving.
In addition, Off-Road Mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.
HD ZR2 Bison: AEV Collaboration Raises the Off-Road Bar
The HD ZR2 Bison was developed in collaboration with premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to provide a factory package for the most avid off-roaders. It builds on the HD ZR2’s standard features, adding:
- Exclusive gloss black, 18-inch AEV wheels
- Distinctive cut high-approach, stamped-steel front bumper with integrated recovery points and winch provisions
- Unique stamped-steel cut rear bumper with recovery points
- Tough, stamped steel underbody skid plates for the front of the vehicle, steering rack, exhaust, and transfer case
Bison models also receive unique exterior badging and other identifying cues, including the AEV logo on the front-seat head restraints.
Redesigned Interior with ZR2 Flair
The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned interior, which combines work-ready functionality with next-level technology integration. The cabin boasts features HD truck buyers expect, along with a blend of premium materials and off-road prowess found in the Silverado 1500 ZR2.
The interior’s dark trim accents complement the Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces. Care was also taken to select materials that are easy to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.
The instrument panel houses a best-in-class 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment1 screen and an expansive 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center that become the focal points of the driver’s command center. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, strengthening the command center perspective.
Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision for the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.
A redesigned wireless phone charger area, as well as a flow-under console that offers the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a center console, round out the HD ZR2’s efficient use of interior space.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison: Coming in Q3 2023
Production of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison begins later this summer, at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison represent a significant leap forward in the realm of heavy-duty off-road pickup trucks. With their race-proven technologies, impressive capabilities, and revamped interiors, these trucks are poised to set a new benchmark for off-road performance and adventure.
With production just around the corner, off-road enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to experience these remarkable trucks for themselves.